RESOURCE:

Winter Weather and Temperature Care

Michigan winters can be cold, icy, and full of hazardous weather and temperature conditions. The Ferndale Fire Department has a number of safety tips for you and your loved ones to stay safe and warm. 

 

For questions, concerns, or additional information or safety tips, reach out to the Fire Department.  

Stay Warm

  • Layer up in the cold temperatures. 
  • Visit a warming shelter. 
  • Use a space heater.
  1. All heaters need room. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from the furnace, water heater, and other heat-generating equipment.
  2. Never use an over or stovetop to heat your home.
  3. Keep candles twelve inches away from things that can burn.
  4. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. Never use an extension cord or power strip.
  5. Make sure your space heater has an automatic shutoff in case it tips over or runs for too long.

Stay Healthy

  • When in doubt, call 911. The Fire Department is here for you.
  • Wear layers and protect all exposed areas from frostbite during extreme weather. Frostbite symptoms appear in three stages:
  1. Stage 1: Cold, sore, and painful
  2. Stage 2: Pins and needles
  3. Stage 3: Numbness
  • If you notice any of the symptoms of the second and third stages of frostbite, get immediate medical treatment to prevent long-lasting damage. 

Stay Safe

  • Be careful walking, biking, and driving on snowy and icy roads.  
  • Keep snow and ice three feet away from fire hydrants. In case of a fire, firefighters need to be able to get to the hydrants quickly to protect people and the property. 
  • Schedule routine maintenance on all wood burning fireplaces and stoves.
  • Always use a metal or heat-temepered glass screen when using your fireplace.
  • Salt your walkway and driveway to reduce slips and falls.

Stay Alert

  • Stay connected on City social media, the City website, and cable for emergency updates.  

  • Sign up for Oakland County’s emergency alert system, OakAlert. 

  • Follow Oakland County for additional information and resources.